Health and Safety Plan 2021-2022 - Ave Maria Academy
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Health and Safety Plan
2021-2022
1Our commitment to our families is to offer an excellent educational experience deeply rooted in
the faith, love and charity of the Catholic Church. Our schools exist for the purpose of promoting
a Catholic way of life based on Gospel values and providing our students with a faith experience
that will nurture a love for Jesus Christ that will fill their hearts for a lifetime.
As we return to school for the 2021-22 school year, we do so with great faith and hope that this
will be a very healthy, happy school year for our students. We faced many challenges last year
and our school community worked together to keep in-person instruction available all year with
minimal interruptions. This required flexibility, patience, and the need to monitor and adjust
protocols based on recommendations from health agencies. While many schools in our area
are discussing how to make up for learning loss, we saw growth in students’ achievement. Our
schools did amazing work in very challenging times!
We are facing similar challenges this school year which require adjustments to our health and
safety plan. We know that the most effective education is in-person. For this reason, we place
our focus on providing health and safety protocols that reduce potential exposures and reduce
the number of students having to quarantine.
In compliance with the latest health and safety guidance from Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), Pennsylvania Departments of Education and Health (PDE and PA DOH),
Allegheny County Department of Health, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and Children’s
Hospital of Pennsylvania (CHOP) Policy Lab, the accompanying framework will serve as the
template for the 2021-2022 school year. Take the time to read through the protocols. Of critical
importance is the knowledge we all have from living through this pandemic that the environment
can change quickly. We will be responsive to those changes as the situation improves or
worsens in our communities. This includes every layer of mitigation and may require decisions
to be adjusted on short notice.
We had all hoped for a “normal” return to school this year, but we do our very best to follow
proper safety protocols. Your collaboration and patience is key in providing our students with
proper school days in class with their friends.
2General Principles for the Building and Operations
General Activities
• It is our intent that visitors will be allowed back into the building. They will need to follow
all health and safety requirements in place at the time of their visit.
• High touch surfaces shall be cleaned and sanitized frequently.
• Hand sanitizers will be available in the hallways, near entrances and in strategic areas.
• Sharing supplies will be limited, and when materials must be shared, cleaning in
between use is recommended.
• Students and teachers will use individual technology devices when possible.
• When possible, special teachers and departmental teachers will go into the students’
classrooms. If students transition to other classroom spaces, assigned seats will be
maintained for contact tracing purposes.
• Students will be able to sing during music class if masked, 3 feet apart, and all facing the
same direction.
• To increase ventilation, windows will be opened if and when possible.
• Face masks requirements will be determined in accordance with the county transmission
metrics and the guidance from various sources, which may include, but not limited to the
CDC, PA DOH, PDE, and Allegheny County DOH. This policy is subject to change at
any time and will be communicated when adjustments are made.
o As of August, 2021, we have a universal mask requirement indoors based
upon the aforementioned sources and the information below.
▪ The levels of transmission for a county are listed as Low, Moderate,
Substantial and High and found at https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-
tracker/#county-view
• When counties are in moderate, substantial or higher, all
individuals, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks indoors.
• When a county is in a low community transmission rate for at least
2 weeks, masking may return to optional. Anyone that is not
vaccinated at that time, will be encouraged to continue to mask
indoors.
3• Face masks must be worn properly (covering nose and mouth and fitted snugly
against the sides of the individual’s face).
• When masks are required, mask breaks will occur while implementing six feet
social distancing during the day and will not have to be worn when eating or
drinking.
• At this time, masks are optional outdoors. Masks should be worn in crowded
outdoor settings when there is sustained close contact.
• Use of a mask for students who ride a bus will be dictated by the applicable local
school district’s policy. Currently, the PA Department of Health requires masks
on public transit.
• Individuals not in compliance with our universal mask requirement will not be
permitted in School buildings and may jeopardize enrollment.
• Exemptions for the face mask requirement will granted to those who provide
documentation from the individual’s treating physician (PCP or Specialist)
indicating the individual is under the physician’s care and cannot wear a face
mask due to a specified medical condition.
o Please use the enclosed Medical Exemption Form.
Sharing the Faith
• School Masses will follow school protocols.
• Principals will work with pastors and/or chaplains to develop a Mass schedule that is
either in person or live-streamed.
• Attendance of parents and general community at the school liturgies will follow school
guidelines. If the Mass is live-streamed, parents and families can also attend virtually.
Entering the Building
All who enter the building should adhere to the following:
● Wear a mask properly (covering nose and mouth and fitted snugly against the sides of
the individual’s face) in accordance with current school policies.
● Exercise good hygiene and proper handwashing, including sanitizing hands upon
entering the building
● Implement physical distancing measures
● Support proper cleaning and disinfection
● Screen Health Daily at home before coming to the school premises.
4○ Prior to entering School premises, all members of the school community
are asked to ask themselves the questions below. Should the answer to
any of the questions on any given day be “Yes,” you are expected not to
come on or send your child to School premises.
■ Have I or has my child had a fever as defined by the CDC during the past
24 hours?
■ Have I or has my child had a new or unexpected cough during the past 7
days?
■ Have I or has my child been around anyone exhibiting these symptoms
within the past 14 days?
■ Do I or my child live with anyone who has been sick, has exhibited
symptoms of COVID-19, or is currently under quarantine for exposure to
COVID-19?
■ Have I or has my traveled domestically or internationally, necessitating
quarantine consistent with CDC guidelines?
■ Have I or has my child disregarded CDC guidelines and failed to limit
his/her exposure to COVID-19?
Lunch
• Students should wash/sanitize hands before lunch.
• Students should stay with their class as they eat lunch, if possible.
• Students should remain physically distant during lunch, ideally 6 feet apart.
• The table and desks should be wiped down before and after each meal.
• Meals will not be shared.
• Meals and utensils should be served directly to the student and prepackaged if possible.
• Students should wash/sanitize hands after lunch.
Recess
• Students will go to recess using the procedures established in school operations
regarding movement within the building.
• Students will wash/sanitize their hands before going to recess and before returning to
Class.
• Students will not need to wear masks for outdoor recess.
5• Games and activities used during recess will be pre-approved locally by the principal
and school health and safety committee to limit the spread of infectious disease.
• Practice physical distancing while walking to recess.
Traveling Within the Building
• As people travel about the building, masks will be worn if required.
• Directionality should be considered in each school.
• A schedule should be developed that takes into consideration the movement of students
around the building.
• Increased cleaning of all commonly touched items, like railings and door knobs, should
be cleaned throughout the day.
Physical Education
• Weather permitting, PE class should be held in outside space. Weather non-permitting,
PE in the Gymnasium. Masks must be worn before and after, but not during active
participation indoors.
• Students should wash/sanitize hands before and after activity.
• It is preferred that students carry personal water bottles for hydration before,
during and after activity.
• Class equipment be sanitized frequently if possible (arrange class times to allow for a
buffer between classes to allow the teacher to facilitate moving, washing and sanitizing).
• Limit shared items or keep the same groupings throughout lessons.
Isolation
• Anyone who presents with symptoms or suspected symptoms of COVID-19 will be
isolated pending the arrival of a parent/guardian to pick up the child.
o Parents/Guardians understand and agree that, in the event their child
develops symptoms or suspected symptoms of COVID-19 or other illness,
or if otherwise requested by the School, their child will be isolated,
Parents/Guardians will be contacted by School, and Parents/Guardians will
make immediate preparations to have their child picked up from School.
6• A supervised isolation area will be established with individuals physically distanced and
masked therein.
o This may be the nurse’s office.
• The room will be disinfected after each use.
• The room monitor will have supplies including:
o Additional PPE: Mask, Gown, Disposable Gloves, Face Shield or Goggles etc.
o Disposable paper towels
o Tissues
o Waste container with plastic liner
o Soap and Water or Hand Sanitizer
o Hard-surface disinfectant
Classroom Operations
Classroom Set-up
• Desks should face the same direction whenever possible. There may be times when this
is not possible, but the students will maintain the 3 - 6 feet of distancing to the maximum
extent possible.
• Desks will be placed a minimum of 3 feet apart.
• The first row of desks should be at least 6 feet from the teacher when he/she is teaching.
Materials within the Classroom
• Classrooms should set up areas where students can store personal items that keep
them isolated from use by others.
• Sharing supplies and materials will be limited, and when materials must be shared,
cleaning in between uses is recommended.
• Establish procedures to wipe down surfaces and materials regularly (before and after
every use is recommended).
• Remind students to wash/sanitize their hands after using a shared item.
• If students travel to an alternative room, an area and place should be established for the
traveling student to store items away from those being used by others.
Virtual Learning
7• While we realize that in-person instruction is the most conducive environment for student
learning and well-being, the need for virtual learning may become necessary due to
school required COVID-19 quarantine. These are the only instances whereby virtual
learning will be utilized. The information provided below is a guide. Virtual learning
experiences are determined locally.
o Such distance learning shall be consistent with School’s mission, quality,
and support, and is subject to the terms of the Student-Parent Handbook
and School and Diocesan Policies.
o Students and their Parents/Guardians understand and agree that in-person
classes may be recorded and/or live streamed to facilitate distance
learning. The teacher shall have the sole ability to make such recordings,
which shall be used strictly for educational purposes by the School.
o Students and their Parents/Guardians further understand and agree that
any distance learning offered online by the School through educational
platforms such as Google Classroom and Zoom platforms for online
synchronous video instruction involve web-based activities which entail
known and unanticipated risks that cannot be eliminated. As a result,
School recommends the use of appropriate Internet filtering software.
• Provide the use of a Google Classroom and Google Meet to centralize materials,
lessons, instruction, assessments, feedback and communications. (Platforms may differ
by school as it is locally determined.)
• Virtual instruction will take place as teachers:
o Provide a continued focus on our Catholic identity throughout instruction and in
all content areas.
o Provide asynchronous and synchronous direct instruction by teacher.
o Incorporate recorded instructional follow up videos.
o Provide materials that are age- and grade-appropriate.
o Use textbook online components with timely follow-up.
o Use assessments with timely feedback.
o Goal is mastery of concepts within the curriculum.
o Use small group and large group instruction to meet the needs of students.
o Have regular communication with parents/guardians.
Health Protocol
Guidance for Dealing with COVID Cases
Schools will make efforts to monitor for COVID-19 related symptoms of students, faculty and
staff. If a community, or specifically school, has cases of COVID-19, local health officials will
8be contacted to help identify those individuals and follow up on next steps. Below you will find
some specific guidance related to situations involving the school, community and COVID-19.
All guidelines are subject to change due to updated public health guidance.
Vaccinations:
• It is highly recommended that everyone who is eligible get vaccinated, and those who
are not yet eligible, get vaccinated when it is their turn. We will inform you of any
changes in public health guidance as they arise.
Isolation and Quarantine
• Students and their Parents/Guardians understand and agree that anyone who
contracts COVID-19 or becomes exposed to someone with COVID-19 will need to
be isolated or quarantined pursuant to CDC guidelines before returning to School
premises.
If a school community member has a suspected case of COVID-19 or is demonstrating
symptoms, the following steps will be taken:
1. Immediately separate staff and students with COVID-19 symptoms (such as fever,
cough, or shortness of breath) at school. Individuals who are sick should go home or to a
healthcare facility depending on how severe their symptoms are. CDC guidance for
caring for oneself and others who are sick should be followed.
2. Provide an isolation room.
3. Call for home transportation, if necessary.
4. Direct to return in accordance with the chart below.
If a school community member has a confirmed case of COVID-19:
1. Notify the local health officials to ask for guidance.
2. Send the individual home while local health officials determine next steps.
3. Quarantine close contacts, related to the suspected case of COVID-19, according to
health official guidance as set forth herein.
a. A person is a close contact if they were within 6 feet of an infected person for 15
minutes or more in an indoor setting with or without a mask from 48 hours before
symptom onset or undergoing a COVID test that returned positive.
b. EXCEPTION: In the K–12 indoor classroom setting, the close contact definition
excludes students who were within 3 to 6 feet of an infected student if both the
infected student and the exposed student(s) correctly and consistently wore well-
fitting masks the entire time.
4. Communicate to school community that there was a confirmed case – without using a
name or identifying information of the person(s) involved.
5. Clean and sanitize the areas that may have been infected by the identified case of
COVID-19.
6. Evaluate if any other cases related to the case were identified and decide to extend or
end the quarantines of close contacts.
7. The COVID-positive individual can return consistent with the chart below.
9RETURN TO SCHOOL CHART
SCENARIO WHO GUIDANCE TO RETURN
#1 Negative Test Everyone, regardless of None
vaccination status.
#2 COVID-19 Like Symptoms Everyone, regardless of • Get tested for COVID-19 and
vaccination status do not attend school until test
results are received.
o Negative test result:
Return to school based
on clinical criteria for
alternative diagnosis. If
no alternative diagnosis is
known, return to school
24 hours after symptoms
are improved.
o Positive test result:
Follow return to school
guidance for scenario #3.
• If not tested, assume
individual is positive, and
follow return to school
guidance for scenario #3.
#3 Tested Positive for COVID- Everyone, regardless of • Do not attend school and
19 (Isolate) vaccination status. isolate at home for 5
days.
• If no symptoms or
symptoms are resolving,
after 5 days, isolation is
complete and individual can
return to school.
• Individual should wear a
mask while at school and
outside of the home when
around others for 5
additional days.
o 3-ply surgical, KN95,
and N95 masks are
recommended and
must be worn if
provided.
o Masks must be worn at
all times and during all
activities, including
sports, for these 5 days.
o If a mask cannot be
worn, the individual
should quarantine for
these 5 days.
• If individual has a fever,
continue to stay home until
24 hours after fever
resolves.
#4 Exposed to Someone with Exceptions to Quarantine: • Individual can attend
COVID-19 outside the home & school; no quarantine is
required.
10fully vaccinated (Close FULLY VACCINATED + 18+ • Individual should wear a
Contact/ Quarantine) YEARS OF AGE: mask while at school and
Received all recommended outside of the home when
vaccine doses, including around others for 10 days.
“Close Contact”: Someone boosters and additional o 3-ply surgical, KN95,
who was within 6 feet away of primary shots for some and N95 masks are
an infected person for 15 immunocompromised people recommended and
consecutive minutes in an must be worn if
indoor setting, with or without a FULLY VACCINATED + provided.
mask. A person is deemed UNDER 18 YEARS OF o Masks must be worn at
infected 48 hours prior to the AGE: all times and during all
onset of symptoms or taking a Completed the primary series activities, including
COVID test that returned of COVID-19 vaccines sports, for these 5 days.
positive and through his/her o If a mask cannot be
isolation period. NATURAL IMMUNITY: worn, the individual
Had confirmed (tested should quarantine for
positive using a viral test) these 5 days.
COVID-19 within the last 90 • Test on day 5, if possible; if
days individual does not have
symptoms while waiting for
SCHOOL SETTING: test results, they are
Students were: permitted to attend school.
• Within 3-6 feet; o Negative test result:
• Both the infected and Continue to attend
exposed student(s) were school and wear a
wearing well-fitting mask until 10 days is
masks consistently and complete.
correctly; and o Positive test result:
• Exposed student has no Follow return to school
symptoms guidance for scenario
#3.
• If individual develops
symptoms during
quarantine or upon return to
school, they should get
tested, stay home, be
excluded from school, and
follow return to school
guidance for scenario #2.
#5 Exposed to Someone with Exceptions to Quarantine: • Do not attend school and
COVID-19 outside the home & quarantine at home for 5
NOT Boosted or Vaccinated FULLY VACCINATED + 18+ days.
(Close Contact/Quarantine) YEARS OF AGE: • If no symptoms after 5
Received all recommended days, quarantine is
vaccine doses, including complete and individual can
boosters and additional return to school.
primary shots for some • Individual should wear a
“Close Contact”: Someone immunocompromised people mask while at school and
who was within 6 feet away of outside of the home when
an infected person for 15 FULLY VACCINATED + IS around others for an
consecutive minutes in an UNDER 18 YEARS OF additional 5 days.
indoor setting, with or without a AGE: o 3-ply surgical, KN95,
mask. A person is deemed Completed the primary series and N95 masks are
infected 48 hours prior to the of COVID-19 vaccines recommended and
onset of symptoms or taking a
COVID test that returned NATURAL IMMUNITY:
11positive and through his/her Had confirmed (tested must be worn if
isolation period. positive using a viral test) provided.
COVID-19 within the last 90 o Masks must be worn at
days all times and during all
activities, including
SCHOOL SETTING: sports, for these 5 days.
Students were: o If a mask cannot be
• Within 3-6 feet; worn, the individual
• Both the infected and should quarantine for
exposed student(s) were these 5 days.
wearing well-fitting • Test on day 5, if possible; if
masks consistently and individual does not have
correctly; and symptoms while waiting for
• Exposed student has no test results, they are
symptoms permitted to attend school.
o Negative test result:
Attend school and wear
a mask for an additional
5 days.
o Positive test result:
Follow return to school
guidance for scenario
#3.
• If individual develops
symptoms during
quarantine or upon return to
school, they should get
tested, stay home, be
excluded from school, and
follow return to school
guidance for scenario #2.
#5 Exposed to Someone with Exceptions to Quarantine: • If the infected household
COVID-19 IN the home member is not isolating
FULLY VACCINATED + 18+ within the house, the
YEARS OF AGE: unvaccinated close contact
Received all recommended should:
vaccine doses, including o Get tested immediately;
boosters and additional o Quarantine through
primary shots for some isolation period of
immunocompromised people household member;
and
FULLY VACCINATED + IS o Quarantine 5 days from
UNDER 18 YEARS OF end of isolation period;
AGE: o Get tested again 5 days
Completed the primary series after end of isolation
of COVID-19 vaccines period of household
member; and
NATURAL IMMUNITY: o Mask an additional 5
Had confirmed (tested days.
positive using a viral test) • If the infected household
COVID-19 within the last 90 member IS isolating within
days the house, the
unvaccinated close contact
should:
o Get tested immediately;
12o Quarantine 5 days from
date of last exposure to
the infected household
member; and
o Get tested again 5 days
after date of last
exposure to the
household member;
and
o Mask an additional 5
days.
Before Care/Aftercare (if applicable)
• Physical distancing practices and all required protocols at the time are to be observed.
• Students are responsible for providing their own snack and beverage during their time in
Aftercare. There will be no snack sharing.
• All employees should follow the same health checklist practices as school employees.
• All operational guidelines put into place in the school (e.g. movement through the
building, recess, etc.) are to be practiced during sessions.
• Disinfect shared rooms before and after use.
• It is recommended that materials and toys used during these programs be cleaned and
sanitized daily.
• Monitored hand washing and sanitizing will be done on a regular basis.
• Follow the recommendations for any suspected illness.
Afterschool Activities & Sports
• Each principal is asked to examine the after-school activities in the school.
• If there is a room available, where students may be physically distant, after school
activities may continue. All rooms must be disinfected after use by the activity/club.
• If in compliance with the state guidelines for events and gatherings, in-person gatherings
may occur.
• Physical Education and Sports
13o No masks are required while participating in high intensity aerobic or anaerobic
activities, including during a physical education class in a well-ventilated location
and able to maintain a physical distance of six feet from all other individuals.
o No masks are required when a child/student is participating in a sports practice
activity or event, whether indoors or outdoors.
▪ Please also refer to guidance issued by the Diocesan Athletic Director.
Travel
If you are traveling, please inform your school principal. The guidance regarding travel
changes frequently, and international travel may require quarantine and testing. Currently CDC
recommends:
• Vaccinated domestic or international travelers should:
o Self-monitor for symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
• Unvaccinated domestic or international travelers should:
o Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after returning from travel.
o Stay home and self-quarantine for a full 5 days after travel.
14Request for Medical Exemption to Mask Requirements
If your child is unable to wear a face covering in school due to a medical or mental health condition or disability,
you must provide to the school Principal/Nurse at your child’s school building, this form signed and dated from
your child’s treating physician (pediatrician or specialist). This form must specify the medical or mental health
condition or disability that precludes your child from wearing a face covering in school, as well as suggestions
for alternative means for your child for preventing the spread of the virus.
A physician is defined as an M.D. for Doctor of Medicine or D.O. for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Medical
notes from alternative health providers, such as Chiropractors, etc., will not be accepted.
Additionally, the School will require students with a Medical Exemption to Mask Requirements to remain at
least 6 feet apart from other individuals for social distancing while indoors in accordance with the Centers for
Disease Control guidelines and local Health Department mandates.
A School reserves the right to not accept a Request for Medical Exemption to Mask Requirements.
A School may require that a child wear a face shield when social distancing is not possible.
The parent will need to submit this informational sheet signed, with the documentation from the physician when
requesting a Medical Exemption to Mask Requirements.
Parent Signature _____________________________________________
Date ____________________
SECTION A. To be completed by your child’s parent/guardian.
Full Name of Child: ____________________________________________________________
School: _____________________________________________________________________
Grade for 2021-2022 School Year: ________________________________________________
I am requesting an exemption from the mask requirements due to my understanding that my child has a
documented medical or mental health condition or disability that precludes the wearing of a face covering in
school, and I am requesting an exemption from this requirement.
I understand that:
1. By not wearing a face covering in school, my child may be at increased risk of contracting or
spreading COVID-19;
2. The school may consider appropriate alternative learning options for my child, including whether
virtual learning is appropriate;
3. My child may be referred for an evaluation to determine if any disability prevents my child from
wearing a face covering and whether and to what extent accommodations will be provided;
4. Submitting this form constitutes my permission for the School to communicate with my child’s
healthcare provider regarding this medical or mental health condition or disability; and
5. Submitting this form does not guarantee that my medical exemption request will be granted. The
School must first review my request and provide notification if it is granted.
_____________________________________ ___________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (Print) Parent/Guardian Signature
15SECTION B. To be completed by your child’s healthcare provider.
Full Name of Healthcare Provider: ________________________________________________
Office Address: ________________________________________________________________
Telephone Number: ____________________________________________________________
Full Name of Patient (the child): _____________________________________________
Subject to the penalties of unsworn falsification to authorities, I hereby certify that it is my professional opinion,
with a reasonable degree of professional certainty, that [check the box that applies]:
☐ My patient (the child) does NOT have any medical or mental health condition or disability that
precludes the wearing of a face covering in school;
☐ My patient (the child) has a medical or mental health condition or disability that relates to his or her
wearing a face covering in school, but he or she can tolerate wearing a face covering in school if
accommodations are provided. The recommended accommodations are (specify):
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
☐ My patient (the child) has a medical or mental health condition or disability that precludes the
wearing of a face covering in school.
If you checked either the second or third box, please identify the medical or mental health condition or
disability and specify how that relates to your patient’s (the child’s) ability to wear a face covering in
school:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
If you checked either the second or third box, please specify any and all alternative means that may be
used by your patient (the child), while your patient (the child) is not wearing a face covering in school,
to protect your patient (the child) and others from, and to prevent the contraction and spread of,
COVID-19 in school:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________ ___________
_____________________________________ ________________________
Physician Signature Date
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